• Thousands of attendees at Shakira’s MetLife concert faced potential measles exposure, raising public health concerns.
• Measles spreads quickly in crowded places and is highly dangerous for unvaccinated children.
• Vaccination remains the best protection against measles and health officials urge everyone to stay alert for symptoms.

Health officials warn that thousands of fans who attended Shakira’s concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey may have been exposed to measles. The concert took place on May 15 near New York City. An infected person attended the event and possibly spread the disease to others. The New Jersey Department of Health issued a warning, saying anyone at the stadium between 7:30 pm and 1 am the following day could develop symptoms by June 6. This alert covers both of Shakira’s shows that night. Officials urge everyone who was there to watch for measles symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.

Concert Could Be a Super-Spreader Event Because Measles Spreads Easily

Measles is the most contagious disease in the world. One infected person can spread it to nine out of ten people who are not vaccinated. The virus spreads through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets can hang in the air for up to two hours, which makes crowded places like concerts very risky. The disease starts with flu-like symptoms, then a red rash appears, usually beginning at the hairline and spreading over the whole body. Measles is especially dangerous for young children. One in twenty unvaccinated children develops pneumonia, and one in a thousand gets brain swelling that may cause permanent damage. Sadly, 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 unvaccinated children who catch measles die from it.

Vaccination Offers Strong Protection Against Measles

Health experts recommend vaccination as the best defense against measles. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine works 97% of the time when given in two doses. Officials advise parents, guardians, and healthcare providers to check vaccination records carefully. They also urge everyone to be alert for signs of measles and seek medical advice quickly if symptoms appear. At this time, no other measles cases linked to the concert have surfaced, but officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Shakira’s Concert Drew Fans From Across the Country and Abroad

Thousands of fans came to the concert from all over the United States and abroad. Puerto Rican singer Ozuna made a guest appearance on stage with Shakira. Despite rain threats and major travel disruptions caused by a rail strike, fans showed up in costumes, purple wigs, wolf ears, and belly-dancing gear. Many fans faced travel problems due to the New Jersey Transit strike. Still, some reached the venue using Coach USA buses from the Port Authority in New York City. The stadium can hold over 82,000 people, making it one of the largest concert venues in the US.

Measles Cases Remain Low in New Jersey but Rise Nationwide

New Jersey reported five confirmed measles cases so far this year but has avoided any major outbreaks. The state borders New York City, which has a population of about 8.2 million people. New York City’s vaccination rates have improved slightly, with 96.7% of kindergartners receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year. This marks a small increase from the previous year. However, many other parts of the US have seen falling vaccination rates, which raises concern about the return of measles and other preventable diseases.

Texas Faces Largest Measles Outbreak in Two Decades

Texas currently battles the largest measles outbreak the US has seen in at least 20 years. More than 722 people have fallen ill, 92 have been hospitalized, and two young girls aged six and eight have died. The outbreak started in a community with low vaccine coverage, which allowed the disease to spread quickly. Health officials warn the outbreak may last more than a year and threaten the US’s status of measles elimination, which the country earned in 2000.

Separate Measles Alert Issued for Newark Airport Recently

Last week, New Jersey health officials also issued a measles alert for Newark Liberty International Airport. An infected traveler passed through Terminal B, potentially exposing many people between 12:30 pm and 4 pm on the same day. This case does not appear connected to the concert infection. The airport warning urged travelers to watch for symptoms and seek treatment if necessary. These multiple cases highlight ongoing risks as measles resurges in parts of the US.

Shakira’s Tour Moves Across the United States With Big Crowds

Shakira’s concert at MetLife was her second US stop after a show in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 13. The tour will visit 14 more cities including Detroit, Boston, Washington DC, Miami, Houston, and San Francisco. Fans praised the show for its nonstop dancing, hit songs, and many costume changes—Shakira reportedly changed outfits more than 13 times. The singer’s collaborations with artists like Ozuna, Wyclef Jean, and Rauw Alejandro also delighted audiences.

Health Officials Assure No Risk for Upcoming Beyonce Concert

The measles alert was issued just a day before Beyonce’s scheduled performance at the same venue. Officials have stated that concertgoers attending Beyonce’s show are not at risk from the recent measles exposure. However, they remind the public to stay aware of symptoms and vaccination status.